Tens of millions of people in Ethiopia, which has the second largest Muslim population in sub-Saharan Africa, marked the joyous Eid.

Huge crowds arrived at and around the Addis Ababa stadium for Eid prayers early in the morning.

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Mohammed Nur, the Islamic affairs president, said: "Our country Ethiopia is characterised by religious plurality and the people have lived in harmony for ages.

"Muslims in the country should stand vigilant against extremist elements."

Millions of Muslims in Egypt performed Eid prayers in more than 5,000 open areas across the country amid a stepped-up security presence, while President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi performed prayers at a mosque at Egypt’s naval headquarters in the coastal city of Alexandria.

Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, about 90,000 Muslims converged on al-Aqsa Mosque, which for Muslims represents the world's third holiest site, to perform Eid prayers.

For some, Eid was a brief respite from the horrific realities which they managed to flee from.

Ahmad Ali Abed escaped with his family and others from the ISIL-controlled Old City of Mosul to Irbil, north of the country.

"We ran between the houses. We knew that if ISIL spotted someone we'd all be shot," Abed said.

"I was scared that if they saw me and family they'd kill us all, but thank God we are rid of them. I still can't believe we made it here."